According to the Dept. of Defense, Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb, of Chino Valley, AZ., died June 12, in Khakrez, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 562nd Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"Sgt. 1st Class McNabb was an inspirational and highly motivated leader who always put the needs of his Sappers [engineer Soldiers] before his own,” said 1st Lt. Robert Gold, executive officer of the 562nd Engineer Company.

“Always quick with a joke and a smile, McNabb's personality could light up the darkest place. McNabb was the true embodiment of what it means to be a Sapper and will be missed by all of his fellow Sappers in the 562nd Engineer Company," Gold added.

According to unit records, Sgt. 1st Class McNabb entered the Army in November 1999. After completing initial Army training, and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 12B (Combat Engineer), He was transferred to Fort Riley, KS. While assigned to Fort Riley he deployed three times; once to Kuwait (August through December 2001), and twice to Iraq (September 2003-2004, and September 2006 – December 2007). He reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in July 2008. Upon arrival he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion (Engineer), 364th Regiment, 191st Infantry Brigade. In April 2012 he was assigned to the 562nd Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. He deployed with this unit to Afghanistan in April. This was his fourth deployment, first to Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class McNabb’s civilian and military education includes one semester of college (2006), Military Occupational Specialty 12B: Combat Engineer (2000), Warrior Leader Course (2002), Advanced Leader Course (2008), Combat Life Savers Course (2010), and Senior Leader Course (2011).

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation with Valor, Army Commendation Medal (four awards), Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award (two awards), Army Good Conduct Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (two awards), Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicles, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Tracked Vehicles.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class McNabb. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 3:00p.m.